October 16, 2018
With the colder weather comes drier air. Winter is notorious for dry skin, chapped lips, static electricity, and other low humidity symptoms. To make things worse, heating systems can make your indoor air even drier. And the leakier your home, the more cold, dry, outdoor air gets inside.
So, what can you do about the dry indoor air? First, speak with a professional HVAC technician. Dry air solutions include air sealing, insulation, ventilation improvements, and duct sealing. If you still have dry air, you may want to install a central humidifier.
A central humidifier is one of the best ways to increase comfort in winter. But improved comfort is only one of the many wonderful benefits of a whole-home humidification system.
4 Central Humidifier Benefits
- Increased comfort
Humid air makes the heat worse. The opposite is true for dry temperatures — low humidity during cold weather makes it feel colder than it actually is. Dry air feels cold against your skin because low humidity soaks up moisture from your body, cooling down your skin. During cold weather, you will either need to run your heater more or deal with feeling much less comfortable indoors. But balanced moisture from a humidifier will make you feel cozy while letting you keep your thermostat turned down.
By bringing your indoor humidity levels up, you won’t suffer from common dry, winter weather problems, such as chapped lips, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and itchy, irritated skin. A whole-home humidifier keeps moisture levels at the ideal level for indoor comfort. - Better health
Low humidity levels inside a home can cause skin dryness, respiratory infections, and the easy spread of flus and colds. A number of dangerous viruses thrive in a drier environment, but balanced humidity (33%–55% during winter) inhibits them. With a humidifier, you can expect to have better health year-round — as well as less nuisances from static electricity. (You can finally stop worrying about each time you touch that doorknob!) - Reduced indoor damage
Dry air can have a deteriorating effect on your home’s interior, your furnishings, and your possessions. Low humidity can cause warping and splitting of wood furniture and floors, as well as wooden objects such as musical instruments. A humidifier will help protect your home and belongings. - Save money and energy
Since dry air feels colder, a humidifier will allow you to keep your thermostat several degrees higher with no change in comfort. Heated, humidified air will save you money on your heating bill.
Learn more about humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and how humidity and temperature are related.
A whole-home humidifier is an easy and effective way to avoid winter ills and protect your property. Contact the HVAC professionals at Service Champions for more information on central humidification systems.
